Antonio Conte expected to remain as Chelsea boss despite Italy link

Antonio Conte is expected to turn down the chance to become Italy manager again

Ventura will be axed having failed to get his nation to the finals for the first time since 1958 - and Conte is among the favourites to take over.

Some Italy fans are already campaigning for the Chelsea boss to return to the role he made such a success of at Euro 2016.

But it is understood Conte is not interested, and Chelsea are relaxed about reports linking him with the job because he is expected to see out his contract.

The Italian’s testy relationship with the Blues board has led to much speculation he could quit, but his current deal does not expire until 2019.

He has also just moved his family to join him in London, where his daughter goes to school, and has no plans to uproot them any time soon.

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Conte was quoted as saying he wanted a return to Italy only last month, but quickly clarified those comments by insisting he only meant some time in the distant future.

The 48-year-old also quit his job as national team manager to join Chelsea as he missed the cut thrust of club football and has no plans to return to the international scene.

Instead, former Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti, who is currently out of work after being sacked by Bayern Munich, is the leading candidate.

Ventura has been widely criticised for his performance, and reports have even emerged he threatened to resign after a row with the players when they lost the first leg of their play-off against Sweden.

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It is the first time since 1958 that Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup

Midfielder Daniele De Rossi was then caught on camera during Monday night’s 0-0 draw in the second leg angrily questioning the coach’s decisions.

When asked to warm up by a member of Ventura’s staff he pointed to benched striker Lorenzo Insigne instead and shouted: “Why the **** should I go on? We don’t need to draw, we need to win!”

After the game, a tearful Gianluigi Buffon, who was playing his last game for his country, apologised to furious Italy fans.

But goalkeeper Buffon, 39, added: “Blame is shared equally between everyone. There can’t be scapegoats.”

Ventura left the team hotel by the back door after the game and will not be present as his fate is decided at an Italian FA board meeting today in Rome.